Mauritius gets into 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has published that Mauritius will take the place of Sao Tome e Principe in the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

This came after having their appeal over the eligibility of Luis Leal of Sao Tome e Principe supported by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

As per CAF regulations, Mauritius claimed that the striker was not eligible to play against them because his PCR test dated more than 72 hours before the match while according to the protocol, the tests must date from 48 hours.

The 34-year-old scored the only goal in the opening leg of their play-off but that result was overturned on Sunday by CAF's disciplinary committee - with Mauritius awarded a 3-0 win instead.

Mauritius will take the place of Sao Tome e Principe in the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after having their appeal over the eligibility of veteran Luis Leal upheld by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Read more: https://t.co/IEKwtu68DD pic.twitter.com/2F7Xj4xiSP— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) May 16, 2022

According to COSAFA publication, CAF said in a statement to French radio station RFI: œExperienced striker Leal Dos Anjos did not respect the anti-COVID protocol in the first leg, won 1-0 by (Sao Tome e Principe),

œAs a result, they are ejected from Group A that includes Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau. In June, it is therefore the Mauritians who will play against the Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria.

Mauritius will hope for a first Cup of Nations finals appearance since they featured at the 1974 competition in Egypt.